Golden Tempo wins 2026 Belmont Stakes after Kentucky Derby triumph
Golden Tempo confirmed his status as one of the standout three-year-olds in American horse racing after producing another breathtaking late rally to win the 158th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.
Five weeks after his dramatic Kentucky Derby triumph, the Cherie DeVaux-trained colt once again came from deep in the field to capture the final leg of the Triple Crown, defeating Commandment by one-and-a-quarter lengths. Derby runner-up Renegade, the race favorite, finished third.
Ridden patiently by jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo sat approximately 12 lengths off the pace before unleashing a powerful finishing burst around the final turn to seize control in the stretch and secure another career-defining victory.
The victory gives Golden Tempo wins in two of the three Triple Crown races after connections elected to bypass the Preakness Stakes.
Golden Tempo proves Derby success was no fluke
Following his Kentucky Derby victory, some observers questioned whether Golden Tempo would be able to replicate his closing style under different race conditions.
Unlike Churchill Downs, where a fast early pace set up perfectly for late runners, the Belmont Stakes unfolded at a much more measured tempo. Yet Golden Tempo still found a way to deliver.
"It wasn't the same setup we had in the Derby," Ortiz said after the race. "I knew we'd need something from him because the pace wasn't particularly fast. When I asked him to go, he responded immediately. That's what makes him special."
The colt crossed the finish line in 2:03.49 for the 1¼-mile contest, demonstrating both tactical versatility and elite stamina.
Historic day for Trainer Cherie DeVaux
The Belmont victory adds another milestone to an already historic season for trainer Cherie DeVaux.
After becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner earlier this year, DeVaux has now become the first female trainer to win multiple Triple Crown races.
Her achievement comes just three years after Jena Antonucci made history by winning the Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo in 2023.
"It's overwhelming," DeVaux said. "The credit belongs to Golden Tempo and Jose Ortiz. I'm grateful to be in this position and grateful for what this horse continues to accomplish."
The victory carried additional significance for DeVaux, who was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career in the historic racing town.
Jose Ortiz delivers another masterclass ride
For Ortiz, the Belmont triumph marked his second career victory in the race following his success aboard Tapwrit in 2017. The veteran jockey executed a near-perfect strategy, tracking the field patiently before timing Golden Tempo's acceleration flawlessly.
"I followed the leaders around the second turn and waited for the right moment," Ortiz explained. "Once I asked him to go, he gave me everything."
The performance further strengthens Golden Tempo's reputation as one of the most dangerous closers currently competing in North American racing.
Final Belmont Stakes at Saratoga ends in style
Saturday's race also marked the final Belmont Stakes to be held at Saratoga Race Course.
The prestigious event was temporarily relocated to Saratoga in 2024 while Belmont Park underwent a major redevelopment project. The race will return to its traditional home in 2027 after the completion of renovations.
Because of Saratoga's configuration, the Belmont Stakes was contested at 1¼ miles rather than the traditional 1½-mile distance used at Belmont Park.
The temporary move has produced memorable moments, but Golden Tempo's victory ensures the Saratoga chapter closes with one of the most compelling Triple Crown stories in recent memory.
Belmont Stakes 2026 Results
- Golden Tempo
- Commandment
- Renegade
Winning Time: 2:03.49
What's next for Golden Tempo?
With victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, Golden Tempo has firmly established himself among the leading contenders for year-end honors in American horse racing.
The colt's ability to win under varying pace scenarios suggests there may be even bigger achievements ahead.
For now, however, Golden Tempo's remarkable Triple Crown campaign has already secured a place in racing history, while Cherie DeVaux continues to redefine what is possible in one of the sport's most prestigious arenas.
SportsLigue
